From Neutral Ground to Political Arena: Inside ISPR Apolitical Conference

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized on Tuesday the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the May 9 riots, in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country.

He stressed that such actions are necessary to uphold the credibility and trust in the nation’s justice system.

The military spokesperson stated that the issue of the May 9 riots extends beyond the Pakistan Army and is a concern for the entire nation.

ISPR Director General Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif asserted that any potential dialogue with the PTI hinges on three key conditions:

• A sincere apology to the nation
• A commitment to constructive politics
• A renunciation of disruptive political tactics 

These remarks were made during a comprehensive press conference in Rawalpindi, just ahead of May 9, a date of political significance marking the events following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan last year. 

It is to mention here that this arrest led to attacks on military installations and subsequent state action against Khan and his party.

Q&A Session

During the question and answer session, ISPR Gen Sharif was queried about the possibility of engaging in dialogue with the PTI.

His response was firm, stating that if any political entity or leader undermines the army, fosters discord between the army and the populace, disparages the nation’s martyrs, issues threats, and spreads propaganda, then dialogue becomes untenable.

He emphasized that for such individuals or groups, the only path to reconciliation is a public apology and a commitment to eschew divisive politics in favor of constructive engagement.

Regarding the events of May 9, Gen Sharif asserted that the significance extends beyond just the Pakistan Army to encompass the entire nation. 

He underscored the importance of justice, stating that when an attack is launched on the army, when symbols of martyrdom are desecrated, and when efforts are made to sow discord between the army and the people, it is imperative for those responsible to be held accountable. Failure to do so, he noted, casts doubt on the integrity of the justice system of any country.

“We firmly assert that in order to uphold trust in Pakistan’s justice system, those responsible for the events of May 9, including both the perpetrators and their leaders, must face appropriate sentencing in accordance with the Constitution and the law.”

“The events of May 9 are clear and undeniable to the public, the military, and all stakeholders, supported by concrete evidence. We witnessed the unfolding of this incident and observed how false narratives and propaganda were used to incite hostility against the army, its leadership, and governmental institutions.”

It is evident that on May 9, certain political figures issued directives to their followers to target military installations selectively. Despite these facts being widely known, attempts were made to fabricate stories such as labeling the incident a ‘false flag operation’ to sow doubt and confusion.

As the saying goes, ‘You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.’ This tactic of deceit is not unique; similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the world. How other nations handle such situations serves as a precedent for our approach.”

In August 2011, London experienced riots, triggering swift action from the criminal court system, even extending punishment to minors under the age of 18. Similarly, following the Capitol Hill riots, there was no delay in identifying and strictly sentencing the perpetrators. The Paris riots of June 27, 2023, also saw immediate action from the judicial system.

These examples, often cited by our elite, demonstrate the proactive measures taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. They underline the importance of swiftly addressing groups with specific political agendas aimed at destabilizing the state.

Judicial Commission Mandate

Regarding the demand from the PTI for the creation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots, the DG ISPR stated, “We are open to it. However, if established, the commission should thoroughly investigate the root causes of the entire incident.”

The judicial commission should also investigate the objectives behind the 2014 sit-in and the attack on Parliament, as well as examine the incident involving PTV and the incitement of civil disobedience and utility bill burning.

The commission should also delve into the 2016 and 2022 attacks on Islamabad using federal resources from KP. Additionally, it should scrutinize the lobbying efforts abroad to hinder Pakistan’s access to loans and prevent it from defaulting.

The DG ISPR emphasized that the commission, if established, should probe the funding sources and targets of such campaigns, along with those spreading anti-state sentiments on social media. He warned that if a certain political faction continues these actions unchecked, it may eventually turn against its own army.

He also highlighted the importance of confronting lies with truth to avoid falling prey to deceit and propaganda. He noted that the true Pakistani public distanced itself from the events of May 9 and refused to partake in them. 

Air Base Allegations Denied

Regarding allegations about air bases being handed over to the United States, the DG ISPR dismissed them, stating categorically that no such handover has occurred or will occur. In response to the press conference, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan criticized it for being riddled with contradictions.

Majority Rejects PTI Narrative

DG ISPR responded to PTI’s claim of winning the majority in the general elections by stating that only 7.5 percent of the country’s population voted for the specific party.

He pointed out that on February 8, the voter turnout was 47 percent, with approximately 65 million voters participating. Of these, the specific party garnered 18.5 million votes, which accounted for 31 percent of the total votes cast.

He emphasized that 69 percent of voters did not align with the PTI narrative, indicating a lack of majority support for it in a democracy. 

Considering the entire population, only 7.5 percent supported the narrative, indicating that the vast majority, around 92-93 percent, did not stand with it. 

He cautioned against assuming that the 18.5 million who voted for the party supported its narrative. He further argued that the PTI’s narrative lacked both numerical support and substantive reasoning.

The ISPR DG cited independent surveys that consistently ranked the Pakistan Army as the most trusted institution in the country, with one survey in February showing that 74 percent of respondents expressed the highest trust in the army.

Cross-Border Terrorism

The DG ISPR commenced the press briefing by addressing the tensions with Afghanistan and the assaults carried out by terrorists from Afghan territory into Pakistan.

He emphasized that the scheme behind the attack that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers in a convoy ambush in Bisham tehsil of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla on March 26 originated in Afghanistan.

“On March 26, a tragic incident occurred in Bisham where a suicide bomber targeted a vehicle carrying Chinese engineers working on the Dasu dam project, resulting in the loss of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani.

This reprehensible act of terrorism is linked to activities across the Afghan border; the planning was orchestrated in Afghanistan. The perpetrators and their supporters were being operated from Afghan soil, and the suicide bomber was identified as an Afghan national.”

General Sharif expressed the army’s strong condemnation of “this despicable terrorism game” and reiterated their commitment to taking all necessary measures to bring the facilitators to justice.

Despite repeated complaints to Kabul, TTP attacks originating from Afghan territory persist. Pakistan has suffered significant casualties in the fight against terrorism, with its soldiers, workers, and law enforcement agencies bearing the brunt.

Pakistan has been a crucial player in regional peace efforts, particularly in Afghanistan, where it has hosted Afghan refugees and provided substantial assistance, recognized by the international community.

Despite Pakistan’s continued efforts and diplomatic engagements with the Afghan interim government, the TTP terrorists persist in carrying out acts of terrorism within Pakistan.

Concrete evidence has been presented to the Afghan authorities, yet positive progress remains elusive. Recent terrorist activities have been traced back to hideouts in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for coordinated action between the two nations.

He reiterated Pakistan’s assistance to Afghanistan and highlighted a pledge by the interim government in Kabul to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist activities.

However, concrete evidence suggests that TTP terrorists are still utilizing Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan.

The Foreign Office has lodged 12 protests, and the army chief has expressed clear reservations regarding the presence of banned outfits’ hideouts in Afghanistan. Pakistan is determined to eradicate terror networks and safeguard its citizens at all costs.

He emphasized that the armed forces’ primary objective is to establish peace within the country. They are committed to taking every necessary measure to suppress terrorists and those who support them.

The DG ISPR highlighted the ongoing efforts of terrorists and their backers to disrupt the peace and stability in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He cited incidents such as the attack on the Mach Frontier Corps camp in January 2024 by the BLA, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers, including two policemen, and the neutralization of 24 terrorists.

General Sharif also mentioned the assault on a North Waziristan checkpost on March 16, which led to the martyrdom of seven soldiers, including Lt Colonel Kashif and Captain Ahmed, and the elimination of six terrorists.

In response to these attacks, Pakistan launched counter-operations in Afghanistan’s border areas, targeting terrorist sanctuaries.These operations resulted in the elimination of eight terrorists responsible for various acts of terrorism in Pakistan.

Additionally, a soldier lost his life in a terrorist attack in Turbat on March 25, while four terrorists were neutralized.

The DG ISPR highlighted the capture of a terrorist named Habibullah, who admitted to engaging in terrorist activities in Pakistan during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin district on April 23.

He mentioned that security forces conducted a total of 13,135 intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators in 2024, leading to the elimination of 249 terrorists and the apprehension of 396 individuals involved in terrorist activities.

He stressed that the Pakistan Army, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement entities are conducting more than 100 counter-terrorism operations daily. Throughout these operations this year, two officers and 60 soldiers from Pakistani forces have sacrificed their lives.

Tensions on Eastern Border with India 

He mentioned that both the top civil and military leadership in India were cognizant of “multiple threats” from India along the eastern border and that strategies were being devised to “distract attention from its internal unrest as usual.”

“In the current year, there have been numerous breaches of ceasefire by India on a small scale, including 120 incidents of speculative fire, 15 airspace violations, and 59 technical air violations,” he stated.

“The Indian army is targeting innocent civilians in Azad Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC), but the Pakistan Army has responded fittingly and will continue to do so. We stand prepared to safeguard our sovereignty under all circumstances,” DG Sharif asserted.

He underscored that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership was well aware of India’s intentions to divert attention from its internal issues, highlighting India’s minor ceasefire violations, including speculative firing, airspace violations, and technical air violations.

He remarked that the Indian army was deliberately targeting innocent civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir.

“Pakistan’s military has retaliated effectively against Indian aggression on the LoC and will persist in doing so,” DG Sharif affirmed, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

He pointed out that the international community witnessed the Indian army’s oppression of innocent civilians in Kashmir, noting its attempts to suppress Kashmiris’ democratic voices through force.

DG Sharif highlighted the Indian Supreme Court’s delivery of a “pre-written” verdict last year upholding Article 370, which he argued openly defied UN resolutions.

Furthermore, he accused the Indian government of committing additional international crimes, including the targeted killings of Indian-origin Sikhs.

“Indian agencies have also orchestrated the killings of Pakistani citizens Shahid Latif and Muhammad Riaz on the orders of the Indian government,” he alleged, citing credible evidence of communication between Indian operatives and the killings on Pakistani soil.

He noted that the Foreign Office had also addressed this matter in a press briefing.

Pakistan Backs Gaza

DG Sharif noted that Pakistan has become a prominent advocate on the international platform alongside numerous Muslim nations for the people of Gaza.

He emphasized that during the meeting with the Palestinian ambassador, the army chief urged for an immediate ceasefire and committed to persistently raising the issue.

The army chief pledged that the Pakistani people stand firmly behind the Palestinian population, offering them complete diplomatic, moral, and political support. He reiterated the commitment to advocate for sustainable resolutions to the Palestinian cause and their territorial rights.

The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) also emphasized that certain political factions within the media persistently made accusations against the army and other institutions. 

He noted that when challenged to provide evidence, these factions merely responded with more allegations. He cautioned against descending into a cycle of baseless accusations, emphasizing a commitment to rationality, factual discourse, and upholding the rights of citizens. He reiterated faith in the triumph of truth over falsehood.

Forum Inadequate for X

Addressing concerns about Article 19 of the Constitution, the DG ISPR acknowledged its guarantee of freedom of expression but underscored that it also prohibits attacks on Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and defense under the guise of free speech.

He emphasized that the Constitution and laws of Pakistan unequivocally prohibit propaganda against the state.

Regarding the potential lifting of the ban on a certain social media platform (referred to as “X”), the DG ISPR suggested that the current forum was not appropriate for such a decision.

Regarding the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals, the DG ISPR explained that the government’s decision to send them back was in the best interest of Pakistan.

He highlighted the strain on the economy and the deteriorating law and order situation due to their presence. He mentioned that while a significant number had been repatriated, many still remained in Pakistan unlawfully.